Civil Enforcement Ltd - to pay or not to pay?

DonGar

Hi, I have received a Parking Enforcement Notice from Civil Enforcement LTD. I was parked in the local supermarket and exceeded my stay. A lot of the forums state ignore the letters, does this still apply with the recent changes in law? I would really appreciate some advice.:(

scheming_gypsy

you've received an invoice from a private company for parking on free land. Ignore it and don't contact them.

DonGar

scheming_gypsy wrote: »

you've received an invoice from a private company for parking on free land. Ignore it and don't contact them.

Thanks...I thought the law had changed and didnt want to take any chances as I think I have a good case to dispute it.

Mrs_Imp

You'll end up with a stream of letters including one threatening court action. Then it will be followed by 'debt collectors' writing to you. Ignore em all. I laugh every time I get a letter from UKPC or their 'debt collectors'.

If UKPC actually had a case against me then they would've taken it to court rather than sending it on to their 'debt collectors' (probably the person sat at the next desk).

Splott

DonGar wrote: »

Thanks...I thought the law had changed and didnt want to take any chances as I think I have a good case to dispute it.

The law has changed. If you do not respond to the letters they can take action against the registered keeper whereas before they could only take action against the driver.

Also the amount being charged cannot be disproportionate however with a Supermarket, £250 can easily be proved not to be disproportionate - all they would have to prove is the length of your overstay is the time it would take one or two people to do a weekly shop.

It is an entirely civil matter so would ultimately end up at a county court and no criminal record if they rule against you.

fivetide

DonGar wrote: »

Thanks...I thought the law had changed and didnt want to take any chances as I think I have a good case to dispute it.

The law has changed in that they can now pursue the registered keeper. However, they are still trying to charge you for something that was essentially free and that they don't own (in very loose terms) so you can still ignore.

You might find this gets moved to the parking board too. See the link at the top of this page.

DonGar

Thanks all. The car is on contract through my employer so I suppose they could go after them, which would make things a little embarassing! Would it be best for me to respond disputing their findings?

neilmcl

I wouldn't bother contacting them, it'll make absolutely no difference.

fivetide

DonGar wrote: »

Thanks all. The car is on contract through my employer so I suppose they could go after them, which would make things a little embarassing! Would it be best for me to respond disputing their findings?

Get yourself to the parking board asap. You might find the lease company simply pays the charge and then invoices you even more if you do nothing.

Given this is the case, I think neil is wrong. You could let them know it was you driving the car but admit nothing. That way, they should only deal with you as the driver and the ignore the invoices advice does stand. As I said though, get this on the right board and you'll get confirmation.

Avoriaz

Splott wrote: »

The law has changed. If you do not respond to the letters they can take action against the registered keeper whereas before they could only take action against the driver.

Also the amount being charged cannot be disproportionate however with a Supermarket, £250 can easily be proved not to be disproportionate - all they would have to prove is the length of your overstay is the time it would take one or two people to do a weekly shop.

It is an entirely civil matter so would ultimately end up at a county court and no criminal record if they rule against you.

That would be almost impossible to prove. Scub that, it would be impossible to prove.

Firstly the supermarket would have great difficulty proving that the OP's actions really did prevent another shopper shopping. Even if the car park were completely full, the OP could reasonable argue that other shoppers could park elsewhere or return at a later time. Thus the supermarket cannot prove any loss.

Secondly, even if they could prove a loss, a shopper spending £250 does not generate £250 profit for the supermarket. It might generate £30 or so.

How many civil cases have been pursued and won in this type of circumstance? Close to zero.

These matters almost never go beyond threatening letters.

arcon5

If it's your employers car then perhaps consider letting them know your name and address as the driver as I believe the law allows them to now chase the registered keeper (although doesn't change the legal side of it when it comes to taking it to court)